Apprentices progress with Pride

Derby County Captain Shaun Barker helped a group of young apprentices celebrate their progress on their apprenticeship at Pride Park as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

They are half way through their apprenticeship programme, which are offered by Derby County in the Community (DCitC) and delivered by Matlock-based Mitre Group, the clubs chosen training provider.  DCitC currently has 10 apprentices completing Apprenticeship programmes in Activity Leadership and Sports Development, and the apprentices, Mitre Group and Derby County in The Community are all delighted with their progress so far.

Jennie Bowmer, Mitre Group commented “These young people are passionate about a career in sport and being able to be part of a club like Derby County whilst learning new skills has provided such a fantastic opportunity for all the apprentices.  It is definitely an advantage to them embarking on a career in sport and having the pedigree of a club like Derby County behind them can only help”. 

Simon Carnall, Head of Community added “The programme has given these young people an opportunity to see how a professional football club is run, an invaluable and rare experience, as well as providing a great vocational experience delivering coaching sessions and developing sport in our Community. Our apprentices also receive excellent training and support and gain a number of qualifications, including NVQs in Activity Leadership or Sports Development and Certificates in Increasing Participation in Community Sport – all fantastic qualifications that can only help secure employment in a career in sport”.

Laura Weston, 17, one of the apprentices who has progressed from a Level 2 to a Level 3 Apprenticeship with Mitre Group and DCitC, commented “My Apprenticeships programmes have allowed me to follow my passion for sport and also see the day to day runnings of a football club, an amazing experience which is unique and inspiring and will hopefully give me the experience and confidence to continue with a career in sport.  The training has been fantastic with both Derby County in the Community and Mitre Group providing exceptional support and guidance which I will always be grateful for – I’d encourage anyone aged 16-18 thinking of a career in sport to apply – its been the best experience and opportunity”. 

Isaak D’Amico, 16, said “Its been an amazing day and I am really enjoying my Apprenticeship so far – I especially like being able to combine my education and my passion for football and I am looking forward to progressing onto the level 3 programme next season”.

Derby County in the Community are currently seeking the next group of apprentices who will complete programmes in Activity Leadership or Customer Service. Visit www.dcitcommunity.com for more information on how you can apply.